NC worker's death: Congress defends Omar Abdullah

October 03, 2011 20:13 IST

Deploring the incidents witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Congress on Monday came out in support of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is under Opposition attack following the controversy over the custodial death of a ruling National Conference worker.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said that the chief minister has not made "any attempt to suppress" and has himself ordered a judicial probe into the custodial death of Sayeed Muhammad Yousuf.

This shows he has "nothing to hide," he said. Singhvi asked as to why Congress should "join the cacophony as some opposition parties have started breast-beating there".

He

was replying a query as to why the Congress is 'mute' when the chief minister is in the thick of controversy and his resignation is being sought by some opposition parties.

"I

don't think Congress is at all muted...The chief minister or the coalition partner has not made any attempt to suppress. No amount of vocal noise is required. The chief minister himself has ordered a probe by a sitting judge," he said.

He

said that incidents in the assembly were deplorable and extremely distressing and does no good to democracy. The Congress' reaction came as Omar broke his silence on the custodial death of Yousuf and said he has "no hesitation" in presenting himself before a judicial inquiry.